Auriol: Hiking, Nature and History

Auriol offers ways to enjoy a stay combining hiking, nature and local history. The options range from marked trails through forests, valleys, river landscapes and varied terrain to a walk with a stated duration. Old canals and historic buildings also tell of how the area was used in the past. You can shape your trip around whether you prefer spending time outdoors or focusing on the history of the town.

Hiking between the Gorge, River and Canals

In the Encanaux Gorge, hiking trails wind through wild landscapes beneath high limestone cliffs. You can stop at the Abri du Figuier along the way. The Vallon des Encanaux also shapes the landscape: this is where the Vède, a tributary of the Huveaune, rises. The gorge and valley give hiking here a distinctive natural setting.

For an outing with a defined duration, consider the Auriol–Les Moulins walk: it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and follows old canals and the banks of the Huveaune. There are also marked trails through landscapes of rivers, forests, valleys and varied terrain. These two descriptions answer different planning questions: the walk has an approximate duration, while the general trail description highlights the variety of landscapes. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

On Auriol’s roads and trails, you can hike, cycle or mountain bike. The options described therefore range from a walk on foot to cycling outings; no particular route or riding time is specified.

Forests, Open Habitats and Rare Birds

The Domaine de Roussargues combines woodland and open habitats in a mosaic of different landscapes. The area is rich in biodiversity and provides a habitat for the very rare red-backed shrike. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will find another natural highlight here, in addition to the trails of Encanaux. The two places represent different kinds of natural landscapes: the limestone cliffs of the gorge and the mosaic of woodland and open habitats at the Domaine de Roussargues.

The Domaine de Roussargues is accessible from Auriol via the RD45a. As parking regulations may change, check the current parking situation before driving there.

Historical Traces in Auriol

The old canals, known as “béals,” were used to power the first mills. They supported sawmilling and the processing of flour, oil, textiles and metal. The canals therefore point to a variety of past uses, while today’s hiking trails follow old canals.

The Musée Martin Duby preserves works by local artists, faience, old tools and other objects, as well as santons. One room is dedicated to the Auriol Treasure. The museum is housed in a building that has served several historic functions: from 1555 it was used as a granary, from 1689 as a grain market, and from 1759 to 1969 as the town hall. The Tour de l'Horloge has two clock faces and dates from 1564. The Musée Martin Duby is currently temporarily closed; check access before visiting.

Together, these historical themes tell a broader story: the béals recall the mills and their production, while the town hall building and the Tour de l'Horloge offer further glimpses into the history of the town.

Discover more destinations: Tarascon, Cabannes, Mimet, Eyguières, Eygalières, La Fare-Les-Oliviers, Mas-Blanc-Des-Alpilles, Aureille

For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.